Top 10 Beautiful Vancouver Sunset Spots (Including Secret Location)
Are you looking for the best Vancouver sunset spots? Then, you are in the right place!
Whether you want an intimate experience with your special someone or an opportunity to take some incredible photos, these locations will not disappoint.
Many spots around Vancouver offer stunning views of the setting sun, from beaches and parks to mountains and lookouts. In this blog post, I will share the top 10 picks for the best places in Vancouver to watch the sun set below the horizon.
As someone who was born and raised in Vancouver, I can guarantee these locations will make you want to come back every day to watch the sunset.
Vancouver Sunset Spots
These are the top 10 best locations to watch the sunset in Vancouver. Including places that locals usually gravitate towards to watch a sunset.
1. Sunset Beach
Sunset Beach in Vancouver is one of the most breathtaking spots to watch the sunset over the horizon, hence how it got its name. Located along English Bay, Sunset Beach is perfect for an intimate evening with your loved one or a stunning sunset photography session.
Many people gather in their beach chairs during the summer to take in the beautiful spectacle. Walking along the Seawall or taking a bus from nearby downtown areas can easily access the beach.
Whether you are there to watch the sunset or take in the incredible views, Sunset Beach, with the golden-orange sky above English Bay, and the silhouettes of sailboats on the horizon, Sunset Beach is one of the most favourable spots for beautiful sunsets in Vancouver.
2. Third Beach
Third Beach in Vancouver is another incredible spot to watch the sunset on the horizon. Located at Stanley Park, this beach has sweeping ocean and sky views that will take your breath away.
With a stunning sunset glowing off the water, the best time to come here for sunset is during the summer or if there is a sunny day in Vancouver.
Sometimes Third Beach can be crowded depending on the time and when you visit; however, people often leave after the sun has disappeared.
3. Lions Gate Bridge
The Lions Gate Bridge is a beautiful sight during the day and even more spectacular at sunset. With its stunning views of the harbour and the North Shore Mountains, it is one of the best places in Vancouver to watch the sun go down.
At night, the bridge sparkles with twinkling lights reflecting off the water and the lights from Stanley Park twinkle in the background. If you are lucky, you may even catch a glimpse of an eagle soaring across the sky as the sun sets.
Although it can be windy at times on top of the bridge, it is well worth a visit for its beautiful views and romantic atmosphere. It is also one of the best locations for taking some fantastic sunset photos or photos of the bridge.
4. Cypress Lookout
Cypress Lookout Point is one of the most stunning places to watch the sunset in Vancouver. Located on Cypress Mountain, this lookout point offers a panoramic view of Vancouver and beyond.
No matter what time of year you visit, you will be treated to an awe-inspiring sight as the sky turns from shades of blue and pink into a deep purple hue as night falls. Cypress Lookout Point is ideal for a romantic evening or capturing spectacular photographs.
5. Kitsilano Beach
Grab some fun pictures with all your friends together watching the sunset at Kitsilano Beach. This beach stretches across two kilometres of shoreline. It is located outside False Creek, making it an ideal spot to take in the beautiful views of the city skyline and the setting sun.
On summer days, Kitsilano Beach offers plenty of sunshine. It is a perfect place to have a picnic or play beach volleyball. Then, when the sun starts to set, you can grab a seat on the sand and watch as the sky turns many shades of pink, orange and purple.
6. Lighthouse Park
One of the best non touristy things to do in Vancouver and one of the best locations to watch the sunset is Lighthouse Park in West Vancouver. It is a great place to escape from the hustle and bustle of the city and relax in nature as the sun sets.
Located on the westernmost tip of West Vancouver on a peninsula, Lighthouse Park offers stunning views of Vancouver’s Burrard Inlet and the North Shore Mountains. The rugged shoreline and giant rocks make it a perfect spot to watch the sun fall over the horizon.
7. White Rock
White Rock is a popular spot among locals to watch the sunset. Situated on Semiahmoo Bay (Canada side), this coastal city offers stunning views of the ocean and sky that will leave you mesmerized, making it one of Vancouver’s most beautiful places to take in a breathtaking sunset.
With its picturesque pier, sandy beaches and walking trails, White Rock provides an ideal atmosphere for enjoying nature’s beauty at dusk.
8. Burnaby Mountain Park (Simon Fraser University)
Burnaby Mountain Park is another local favourite spot to watch the sunset, offering spectacular views of the city skyline and surrounding mountains.
Located on Burnaby Mountain beside Simon Fraser University, this park provides an awe-inspiring view as the sun sets over the horizon. It has a lush landscape and tranquil atmosphere, making it a great place to take beautiful photos or relax after a long day.
9. Capitol Hill
Capitol Hill in Burnaby is a popular spot among locals to watch the sunset. Situated on the north slopes of Burnaby Mountain, this stunning park offers incredible views of the downtown city skyline and beyond and picturesque views of the North Shore Mountains.
As the sun sets over the bay, you will be treated to beautiful hues of yellow and orange that will take your breath away. With its sweeping panoramic view, Capitol Hill is ideal for a breathtaking sunset each night.
Vancouver’s Secret Sunset Location
This secret location can be complicated to get to at first, but it is all worthwhile.
10. Horseshoe Bay Lookout Platform
For those looking for a unique spot to watch the sunset in Vancouver, look no further than the Horseshoe Bay Lookout Platform. This true hidden gem is one place you should be aware of for a romantic evening or want to take stunning photos. It is worth every effort you make to get there.
From its elevated platform, visitors are treated to breathtaking views of Howe Sound as the sun sets over them. Watching the ferries go in and out of the harbour, with its serene atmosphere and stunning natural beauty, it is no wonder that this secret spot has become so popular among locals.
How To Get To The Horseshoe Bay Lookout Platform
The Horseshoe Bay Lookout can be complicated to find, but it will be easy to spot once you are there. This Google Map location will tell you exactly where the spot is – change Google Maps to satellite and zoom in, click the white strip on top of the rocks and click street view (works best on desktop).
You will want to make your way toward Horseshoe Bay in West Vancouver. Be sure to avoid going into the BC Ferries lineup accidentally; there will be a sign on the highway indicating which way to go.
From there, you will want to get onto Marine Drive at the the-round-about drive towards the overpass, then turn left onto Horseshoe Bay Drive.
Once you are on Horseshoe Bay Drive, getting to the secret location will take a few minutes. The first cluster of rocks to drive around is where the area is. After that, a pile of rocks on the opposite side looks like a small pathway.
You can find parking if you drive further down around the bend. There is a pull-out spot, and you can park there. Then, when walking back to the hidden platform, you will be there after you see a yellow falling rocks sign.
Honourable Mentions
These are a few other locations where you can watch the sunset in Vancouver.
Queen Elizabeth Park
From the top of Queen Elizabeth Park sits at the highest point in Vancouver. You can capture the stunning views of North Vancouver and the sunset off in the distance.
Steveston (Richmond)
The historical port is a neighbourhood in the City of Richmond. There are many local shops and restaurants to check out. You can watch the setting sun along the boardwalk or at the Steveston Fisherman’s Warf.
Lonsdale Quay
Lonsdale Quay (pronounced KEY), across from Coal Harbour in Downtown Vancouver, is another excellent spot to watch the sunset and see the city skyline across the Burrard Inlet.
What To Pack To Watch The Sunset
Here are a few things to pack as a reminder when watching the sunset in Vancouver.
✔ Picnic blanket – Any picnic blanket will do. Even a bedsheet if you do not own a picnic blanket.
✔ Bug spray – The last thing you want is to get bitten alive by mosquitoes.
✔ Snacks – Snacks are the best part when watching a sunset!
✔ Dress for the weather – Dress appropriately depending on the season because the temperature drops when the sun goes down.
Conclusion: Vancouver Sunset Spots
Whether for a romantic evening or wanting to capture some gorgeous photos, these top 10 Vancouver sunset spots will provide breathtaking experiences as you take in one of nature’s most beautiful displays.
So grab your camera and get ready for an unforgettable experience watching the sunset over Vancouver.
Have a good day 🙂
